Bridges

When you have several teeth that need to be replaced you may want to consider having a dental bridge installed. Dr. Skowronski works hard to ensure your smile is restored to a healthy and great looking state.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge consists of one or more synthetic teeth used to fill a gap in your smile. Different types of materials may be used to create a dental bridge including metal alloys and ceramics.

After an impression is taken of your mouth, a lab makes your dental bridge to match your surrounding teeth. The dental bridge consists of synthetic teeth called pontics and usually has dental crowns on each end. The dental crowns are placed over your existing teeth to hold the dental bridge in place.

When extra support is needed because your existing teeth are not able to hold the dental bridge alone, or there are several missing teeth, implants may be used with or without placing dental crowns on surrounding teeth.

Why do I need a dental bridge?

If you have one or more missing teeth, your mouth might not be functioning properly and your bite may be affected.

Missing teeth can allow other teeth to move into the vacant space. This may result in pain caused by more stress being placed on your jaw joints and teeth. These teeth that have moved may now be more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay since it may be more difficult to properly clean them.

Bone shrinkage may occur where there once was a tooth and now it is gone. The way the cheeks and lips are supported by the jawbone may change as the bone shrinks. Your face may look different over time as a result.

How do I know if I should get a dental bridge?

Consulting a dentist is the best way to determine if a dental bridge is right for you. During your exam the dentist will review your specific situation and explain your options.

Dr. Skowronski takes the time to go over all your possible options and answer any questions you have. After over 29 years of fitting patients in Shelby Township, Macomb, Sterling Heights, Washington, and surrounding areas with dental bridges, you can be confident that Dr. Skowronski will work hard to deliver you the best solution possible.

How do I take care of a dental bridge?

Though your dental bridge should be treated with a bit more care than your natural teeth to reduce discoloration and detachment, you must take good care of your natural teeth as well, especially if they are holding the dental bridge in place. If those teeth become compromised, the stability of the dental bridge and how well your mouth looks and functions may be threatened.

Regular Checkups

Regular checkups and cleanings are crucial to help ensure that your dental bridge is functioning properly. Even if the dental bridge is not supported by your natural teeth, poorly taken care of teeth can lead to health issues in your mouth like gum disease and bone loss that can jeopardize the look and functionality of your dental bridge.

Oral Hygiene

Proper personal oral hygiene is important to get rid of plaque and bacteria to keep your dental bridge looking good and working well. Using products that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance is a fine option. Our office offers a variety of natural dental products, for children and adults, that do not contain triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, peroxide, gluten, saccharin or other harmful detergents. Most of these products are also fluoride free. These products range from xylitol based toothpastes, rinses, chewing gums, oral/nasal sprays and mints/candies to probiotics.

Diet

It is important to maintain a healthy diet to ensure your oral health does not suffer. You should also avoid foods that may stain your teeth or dental bridge and cause irregular discoloration or distortion.

When you are ready for a consultation to go over your options, give Dr. Skowronski a call at (586) 566-3880. Her friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to help with any questions or appointment requests you may have. Dr. Skowronski’s office is conveniently located in Shelby Township, MI and is easily accessible from Macomb, Sterling Heights, Washington, and surrounding areas.